Wings Take Flight Again: Paul McCartney Chronicles the Band’s Journey in New Book
Paul McCartney is taking fans behind the scenes of his post-Beatles era with Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run, a 528-page deep dive into the highs, lows, and lasting legacy of Wings. Slated for release on Tuesday, November 4, the book explores the formation, evolution, and adventures of his 1970s band through McCartney’s reflections alongside interviews with former bandmates, family, and key figures from the era. Edited by historian Ted Widmer, it also boasts 150 rare and unseen photographs, offering a rich visual journey through Wings’ decade-long run. Pre-order or learn more about the release on Amazon.
A Look at Wings’ Evolution
Structured around the band’s nine albums, the book traces their 1971 origins—with Linda McCartney, Denny Laine, and Denny Seiwell—through landmark records like Band on the Run (1973) and their eventual dissolution in 1981. McCartney, reflecting on the period, acknowledges the challenges of starting fresh after The Beatles but emphasizes the thrill of proving Wings’ musical credibility:
“Starting from scratch after the Beatles felt crazy at times. There were some very difficult moments, and I often questioned my decision. But as we got better I thought, ‘OK, this is really good.’ We proved Wings could be a really good band, to play to huge audiences in the same way the Beatles had and have an impact in a different way. It was a huge buzz.”
Renewed Interest in Wings’ Legacy
The book’s announcement follows a 50th-anniversary edition of Band on the Run released last year, along with the long-bootlegged live studio album One Hand Clapping. These reissues have reignited interest in Wings’ catalog, underscoring the band’s enduring influence. Relive “Band on the Run” below:
